What causes low zinc?

However, there are three chief causes of an underlying zinc deficiency: not taking in enough zinc through one's diet. losing excess amounts of zinc from the body, such as through poor absorption. people with chronic conditions.

medicalnewstoday.com - Zinc deficiency: Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

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The body needs a variety of vitamins and minerals to function optimally. One essential mineral is zinc, which is found in small amounts in food. Although the body does not require large amounts of zinc, it is possible for a person to be zinc-deficient. If the body does not have the zinc it needs, a person could experience symptoms associated with zinc deficiency. Fast facts on zinc deficiency: The body uses zinc for several important processes. The National Institutes of Health say zinc deficiency is rare in the United States. However, if a person has a poor diet, they are more likely to be deficient.

Doctors often recommend supplements for zinc deficiency.

What does zinc do in the body? Share on Pinterest Zinc may help cells divide and promote wound healing. Zinc does many things in the body. Zinc supports cell function, helping an estimated 100 enzymes — molecules that make chemical reactions happen — perform their duties. Zinc plays additional roles in the body, including: boosting immune function

helping cells divide

maintaining the sense of smell and taste

promoting wound healing Zinc also supports a person’s growth and development. As such, it is an essential mineral for pregnant women as well as growing children. A person’s body does not store zinc, which means getting enough of the mineral from food is important in preventing a deficiency. Symptoms of zinc deficiency Symptoms of zinc deficiency tend to be linked to the roles that zinc performs in the body. Some of the most common zinc deficiency symptoms include: appetite loss

slower than expected growth

poor immune system function Severe zinc deficiency can cause even more concerning symptoms. Examples include: delayed sexual maturity

diarrhea

eye and skin lesions

feeling lethargic

funny-taste sensations

hair loss

poor wound healing

unexplained weight loss Men and boys can also experience impotence and hypogonadism, which is when a male’s body does not produce enough testosterone. What are the causes? Share on Pinterest People with an alcohol addiction may experience zinc deficiency. Worldwide, about 1.1 billion people are zinc-deficient due to inadequate dietary intakes, according to an article published in the journal Scientific Reports . However, there are three chief causes of an underlying zinc deficiency: not taking in enough zinc through one’s diet losing excess amounts of zinc from the body, such as through poor absorption people with chronic conditions People with the following chronic conditions may experience zinc deficiency: alcohol addiction

cancer

celiac disease

chronic diarrhea

chronic kidney disease

chronic liver disease

Crohn’s disease

diabetes

pancreatic disease

sickle cell disease

ulcerative colitis Link to vegetarianism Vegetarians traditionally have lower zinc levels because the body breaks down zinc found in meats more efficiently. Vegetarians tend to eat higher levels of legumes, soybeans, beans, nuts, and whole-grain food products. While they are healthful food choices, they can impair the body’s ability to absorb zinc due to the presence of phytates. These substances bind to zinc, so the body cannot absorb it. Link to age Older adults are at risk for zinc deficiency because they may not eat or have access to a wide variety of foods. Taking some medications can also increase the body’s release of zinc. Examples include taking thiazide diuretics, such as chlorthalidone or hydrochlorothiazide. There is also a rare medical disorder called acrodermatitis enteropathica, which affects the body’s ability to absorb zinc. Diagnosis While a doctor can order a blood test or urine test to check zinc levels, these may not give a definitive result. This is because zinc is only present in small amounts in the body’s cells. In diagnosing a zinc deficiency, a doctor will need to take a full health history. They will ask questions about a person’s dietary intake. If a person does not take in enough calories daily or eat enough of a variety of foods, it is possible a zinc deficiency could be an underlying cause.

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Treatment Share on Pinterest Baked beans are a zinc-containing food and are recommended to help increase zinc in the diet. Supplements are available at most pharmacies and health stores. Supplements can contain different amounts of elemental zinc (the weight of the actual zinc molecule) and are labeled as zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate, or zinc acetate. Each supplement should have information about how much elemental zinc is available in each type. Zinc is also a common component of throat lozenges, as zinc is thought to help treat the common cold. A person can also try to increase their intake of zinc-containing foods. Examples of these include: oysters

beef chuck roast

fortified breakfast cereals

baked beans

yogurt

chickpeas

instant, plain oatmeal

milk A person who eats a wide variety of foods is more likely to take in enough zinc in their daily diets. This includes lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Tips for preventing zinc deficiency There are ways a person can prepare and eat foods to make zinc more available in their daily diets. For example, a person can soak beans in water before cooking them. This reduces the presence of phytates, making it easier for the body to process the zinc. Choosing leavened grain products can also help reduce the number of phytates, increasing the amount of zinc for the body to use.

medicalnewstoday.com - Zinc deficiency: Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

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